Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Witu, Kenya, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. Being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially in a region with a warm and sunny climate. With peak UV Index values reaching a high of 11 around noon, the risk of overexposure increases, making it imperative to take protective measures. Whether it’s seeking shade or applying sunscreen, knowing the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful Witu outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise as the sun reaches its peak. Starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, hitting 4 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to 11 by noon—the highest level of the day. This intense peak at 12:00 PM signals a critical time for sun safety, with values remaining elevated at 10 until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 5 by 3:00 PM, and then drops further, reaching a low of 0 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that during the midday hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, extra precautions are essential to protect against harmful UV exposure.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels noted from January to March, when values peak at 15. The peak months for UV exposure are March and April, which still maintain an index of 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Other months, including May to September, experience slightly lower indices (ranging from 11 to 13), but still pose significant risk. Notably, from October to December, the UV Index remains elevated, ranging from 12 to 13. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours—year-round, especially during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mombasa UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Witu | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 |
Kikuyu UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Ruiru UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Nairobi UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
Nakuru UVI | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 |